6.SP.1 - What is a Statistical Question
Probability and Statistics
We're going to look into today on what is a statistical question
Today we're going to look at what is a statistical question. Statistics is a collection of mathematical methods to help analyze and interpret data. Data is the numbers produced in response to a statistical question. We collect data from surveys and other resources. A statistical question anticipates an answer that varies from one individual to the next. And just in case you didn't know, the word varies means to differ. So we expect different answers to the same question. If you look at these examples, statistical questions show variability in the responses, which allow for many differences. A statistical question should have many correct answers. For example, how tall are students in the class? When you think about that question, you should realize that every student is a different height. So there will be many answers. What are the numbers of brothers and sisters you have? Now, with that question, some people might have the same, but not everyone will be the same. So that one will also have many correct answers. What shoe size do you wear? Once again, many different answers within the same room. And how old are the students in this school?
Now, even though a lot of students will be the same age. Now all students will be the same age. So let's take a look at a question using a table. What is the statistical question that could be asked about the table shown below? We see parks listed and we see distances of each park. So we have four options. Which trail is 0.4 miles long. So if we look at that, always ask yourself, can I have one answer? And if I look at that, we see that it's here, spur park. B, what is the length of Frank list part trail? We can clearly see that there is 1.95 miles. Which trail do you run as prefer? Now, depending on who you are, that could vary. If you don't like to run, you would probably go for hairspray park. If you enjoy a run, you'll probably go for Franklin park. And then which trail is the shortest. We can clearly see that this is hairspray park. So for you to see the answers, the correct answer to this question would be answer C because that's the one that depends on what runners like. And it might be if they like to run a long distance if they'd like to run a short distance, or it might just depend on what they want to do that day.
Let's take a look at another example. Here's another example Maria's class held a survey of the students in her class at school. Which survey question would most likely result in data with little or no variability. What that means is which one should not change. So if we look at a, what is your height? If you sit there and you survey, people in your class are they all going to give the same answer. That's what you have to ask yourself. B, what is your shoe size? Will they give you the same answer? C what is your age? Once again, ask, will everyone give you the same answer? D, how many minutes is your lunch break at school? So let's look at the answers now. If we look at option a, your height, most students give or take 6 to 12 inches, will be in the same height. But that shows that it varies 6 to 12 inches. What is your shoe size? That would probably vary about four to 5 sizes.
You might have someone with a size 6 and a 7 with a size ten or 11. What is your age? Now, even though a lot of students will be the same age in class, that doesn't mean everyone's going to be the same age. Then how many minutes is your lunch break at school? For that, it should be the same for all kids. It might vary one minute depend on schedules, but it should be almost identical for all students. So that's why D is the correct answer. Hopefully that this gives you a better idea of what statistical questions are. Remember, always ask yourself, does my answer have many correct answers. And that would make it a statistical question. Thank you for your time.